Laser Engraving Glossary

Laser Engraving Glossary - Lazer - Laser Engraving
List of Terms

Resolution (DPI): Resolution is the
measurement of an image's quality. Resolution is expressed in
dots per inch (DPI) and depends upon the number of lines or
inches that can fit in every inch of movement. The greater the
resolution, the more refined the detail will be and thus
a better, more clear picture. The standard resolution for
most engraving work is from 400 to 600 DPI. The Pinnacle™ laser
systems can engrave from a range of 200 to 1016 DPI.

Engraver Power: Engraver power is the
amount of laser intensity that's focused to the surface of the
material. Higher amounts of power will result in deeper cuts or
engravings when compared to a weaker engraver moving at the
same speed. The intensity can also have relevance on the speed.
A more potent laser can travel at a faster speed and also
produce the same results as a moderate laser traveling at a
much slower pace. A stronger laser can cut through thicker
materials. The Pinnacle laser engravers range from 12 watts to
a powerful 100 watts.

Engraver Speed: This is the rate at which
the engraving head moves, stated as inches per second (IPS).
The higher the speed, the faster the engraver completes its
job. Speed is also relative to the depth of the cut. Slower
movement will result in deeper cuts or engravings when compared
to an engraver with the same power level moving at a faster
pace. The laser engravers at Pinnacle can have astonishing
speeds - up to 42 ips, while maintaining excellent quality.

Raster Engraving: Raster engraving is like
the old fashioned version of printing that is applied with a
laser. Acting with the style of a dot matrix, the laser head
travels up one line and down the next producing series of or
sequences of dots. And these lines create high detailed
engravings which are ideal for clip art, text, and images that
have been scanned in.

Vector Cutting and Engraving: Vector
cutting and engraving is much quicker than raster
engraving. Vector cutting and/or engraving follows an
outline. A constant beam allows for completely cutting through
materials such as wood or acrylic, or for quickly engraving
patterns or designs on a variety of surfaces.

3D-Engraving: 3D-engraving is making use of
an engraver to create objects that appear to be three
dimensional. Portraits can be scanned in and create wonderful
engraved images that protrude from the backgrounds.
Another for 3D-engraving is the creation of nameplates.
By removing the backgrounds, the letters remain raised from the
surface. This has much more detail than casting does and
creates smoother results.